Indonesia Jakarta Mission Address

Here’s a recent address for the Indonesia Jakarta Mission. We try to keep this info up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the mission address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.

Indonesia Jakarta Mission Map

Videos with Indonesia RMs

Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the Indonesia Jakarta Mission. We interview hundreds of returned missionaries each year, so check back regularly to see new RM interviews.

LDS-Friendly Videos about Indonesia

Here are LDS-friendly educational videos about Indonesia. We scoured YouTube to find the best quality videos about Indonesia, that are free from inappropriate music, immodesty and profanity.

Indonesia Jakarta Missionary Blogs

Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the Jakarta Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.

Indonesia Jakarta Mission T-Shirts

Here are T-shirts for the Indonesia Jakarta Mission!

Shirt designs include Indonesia Jakarta Mission logo/emblem shirts and Called to Serve shirts. The shirts make great gifts for pre-missionaries, returned missionaries and missionaries currently serving. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL. The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you.

*Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: Indonesia Jakarta missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.

One night on the way home, my hand slipped off the bike handle and I biffed it head first onto the wet road. Didn’t get hurt, just scraped up my arm pretty good. (Colton)

I had been in Indonesia for less than two weeks, during my first lesson with my trainer she encouraged me to invite the investigator to be baptized (this was one thing I had memorized during the MTC in my mission language, it was one of the few things I could say). I invited him to be baptized and then just sat there not understanding a word he was saying in Indonesian. I just nodded and smiled, I turned to my companion and saw her smiling, I then asked “did he say yes?” The investigator than turned to me and said “yes I did”. Little did I know his English was actually pretty good. He understood most things I had asked my trainer to translate during the lesson.. haha, a tad embarrassing, but an amazing experience. (Jayde)

Being over fed by a family in the branch and having to ride home fast because we were nearing curfew and then pulling over just in time to throw up everything we had just eaten. Being asked by the branch president to visit a less-active family who lived two hours away (by bike). As we start riding there my tire goes flat. We walked it a good 15 minutes before we found someone who could fix it. As soon as it was fixed my companion’s broke and we had to go back to the same guy again. Once his was fixed my companion said “at least it can’t get worse!” Ten minutes back on the road it poured, like buckets, the entire rest of the ride. It was so much fun! Learning Bahasa Indonesia (mission language). (Braeden)

You cannot just ask for one funny experience!!! But here’s only one that kind of shows the culture. We were street contacting and a little boy walks up to me, pats my stomach and says, you’re fat. Just straight up! And that’s completely normal there. 😉 (Sydney)

I forgot I had a companion, and I accidentally left him home. (Tou)

What was a crazy experience?

A suicide bomber terrorist tried to blow up a police station 5 minutes from my house…Luckily, he only killed himself and no one else. We had to stay inside that day. (Colton)

While I was in my second city, we were riding our bikes on a very busy and congested road. I had a feeling someone was following me on their motorbike (keeping in mind that EVERYONE rides motorbikes/mopeds in Indonesia). I continued to look behind me and saw the man turn down another road, so I stopped worrying. About five minutes later, right before my eyes in slow motion, a mans arm with a knife reached into my bike basket and cut the strap of my bag, ripped my bag out of the basket and took my bag. I screamed out in Indonesian for help, but it was too late and happened all so fast! The rider weaved through the busy traffic and ran a red light to get away. I recognized the rider and bike, it was the man who was following me just minutes before. I was very shaken and for a good few weeks afterwards would hesitate whenever a motorbike would come close to me or ride slow next to me. (Jayde)

We were verbally threatened by a Muslim in a McDonalds and another time in a park. We had one man yell at us, threaten to beat us, call the police on us for teaching his parents (who invited us over). He then threw our nice free copy of The Book of Mormon out of the house and forced us out. Accidentally walking into city “red zones” we were told to always avoid. Being followed part-way home by some shady looking people. It never happened to me, but a couple of my companions had bags or bikes stolen. (Braeden)

I watched my companion scrape up the side of a moving vehicle the first night we were companions and then the second night she almost got her bag stolen and almost crashed again trying to save it. That was an awesome companionship. (Sydney)

Losing my companion while riding bikes in traffic. (Tou)

What was a spiritual experience?

There are so many, but one in particular comes to mind. Getting a haircut on preparation day, I decided to talk to the barber. He said he had just moved to Solo from Jakarta, he was Christian, and that he hadn’t found a church in Solo yet. I told him about our church and gave him a Kitab Mormon. Two weeks later, he came to English class and told us that he had been looking through that Kitab Mormon. A few weeks later, we met him on the bus, and he said he was definitely coming to church on Sunday. That week, he didn’t make it because of work, but the next week he came. The week after that he came, too – this was my last Sunday as a missionary. Sitting in the congregation, he told my companion that he felt something so strong inside him that he wanted to cry. A month later, a member in Solo Facebook messaged me to tell me that he was getting baptized that day. From my own home in America, I was able to talk to him before and after his baptism. You just never know what difference you’ll make. It all started because I decided to strike up a conversation with the guy cutting my hair. (Colton)

One of my most memorable experiences was in my first area, I was still in my training and was still learning the language. We were teaching our very promising investigators, they had been learning with us for a few weeks and had been to church a few times. Three days prior we had watched The Restoration with them at a member’s home for Family Home Evening, the spirit was strong and we had invited them all to be baptized- the mother, the father and their four children all accepted the invitation to be baptized. On this particular night we had gone to their house for the next lesson and to follow up on their commitment and progress to be baptized. The father looked at us and explained to us that he was just not sure if Joseph Smith was a real prophet. I understood bits and pieces of the discussion and heavily relied on my trainer to translate and explain every now and again… We invited them as a family to kneel down in prayer and ask Heavenly Father if Joseph Smith was a prophet and if they should be baptized. The Father offered the prayer on behalf of his family. As we knelt together in their living room, I didn’t understand what he was saying, but I could not deny the spirit that I felt. I had never felt it so strongly or so clearly. After the prayer, with tears in my eyes I sat back in my seat and with the gift of tongues was able to explain my feelings to them. I was able to explain to them that I didn’t understand what was being said, but I felt the spirit and knew they could feel it too. That was the Lord testifying truth to us. Afterwards on our way home my trainer hugged me and said “that was perfect and the best lesson I have ever had!”. She explained to me that my Indonesian was perfect, WOW! That was a shock to me, I don’t remember exactly what I said and I don’t know how I did it. But I know that the Lord used me as His mouth piece to testify to His children of the love He has for them and the truthfulness of the Gospel. What a blessing! (Jayde)

Teaching former Muslims about the nature and character of not only Jesus Christ, but also Heavenly Father Himself, and seeing these people learn and grow and accept the gospel and remain active to this day. Knowing that the suffering, the strife, the heat and humidity and everything else that wears on you is nothing compared to the wonderful children of God you’re able to meet and serve. (Braeden)

I one time promised a woman that her husband would soften up and be interested in learning of Christ if she would read The Book of Mormon. It was bold but I know it came from the Spirit. (Sydney)

Being able to help some of the most humble people every know about Christ! (Tou)

What are some interesting facts about the Jakarta Mission?

Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world, so there are some red zones that missionaries are not allowed to enter in any circumstances. The areas in my mission are all very spread out, so most of the time, you would have to take a plane to transfer. All wards and branches are on the island of Java except for one branch in Medan and one in Manado. Manado is a 5+ hour flight from the mission home, I’ve been told. (Colton)

We have the BEST Mission President and his amazing Wife (our mission Mom), President and Sister Donald. 🙂 When I entered the mission field there was only 73 missionaries, roughly 16 of them being sisters. When I left the mission we had nearly 100 missionaries serving. The international missionaries learn Indonesian while helping their native Indonesian companion learn the English language. The mission covers ALL of Indonesia, so often transfers are by plane. The mission is roughly 50/50 – 50% international missionaries and 50% Indonesian missionaries. (Jayde)

The Indonesia Jakarta Mission covers the entire country of Indonesia, which is the 4th largest country in the world. The mission consists of, on average, 95 missionaries spread between 3 zones. The country has 2 stakes and a district, spread across 3 main islands. The Church is small and has exponential potential to grow, with members willing to make it happen. There are people everywhere, literally everywhere, and they will listen to the message of the Gospel because they are a religiously-aware people. (Braeden)

The Church is on three different islands, but mainly the island of Java. It is roughly 89% Islamic and the people there constantly make you laugh because they are just so Indonesian! (Sydney)

Can’t proselyte. Can’t talk about our church unless people ask us. It is a Muslim nation. (Tou)

What was the weather like?

VERY HOT. And very humid. Plan on being sticky all the time. All the time. There are two seasons in Indonesia – rain season and not rain season. Both have their advantages. (Colton)

Hot & humid all year round 🙂 Indonesia only has two seasons- “Dry” and “Wet” season- each is for six months. Wet or Rainy season is roughly October until March where it is nearly guaranteed that every afternoon it will rain, and when I say rain I mean POUR down with rain- most cities have floods. Wet weather gear is needed, plastic shoes/crocs are best! Even though it’s raining, it’s not cold, it’s still very warm, so the rain is a relief at times. Dry Season is from April until September, it is very humid and hot. You are always sweaty and sticky- you learn to have no shame in this mission! (Jayde)

Indonesia is tropical, so it’s very hot and humid (you sweat all day). You mainly serve in highly populated cities, so there’s a lot of pollution too. There’s only two seasons: Rainy season and slightly less rainy season. During rainy season it can literally rain everyday for three hours or more; this usually causes flooding, so be aware. (Braeden)

Tropical. There’s a dry season when it rains every so often and then there’s a wet season where it rains constantly for a few months. (Sydney)

Hot and raining all the time. Crazy lighting and thunder storms. (Tou)

Any things you really like about the area/people?

Indonesian people are the most loving, hospitable people you will ever meet. They will give you everything they have in their kitchen for dinner and then buy you more, even when they don’t have the means to. I have never met more hospitable people. (Colton)

I loved my mission and wouldn’t have changed it for anything! The Indonesian people made me a better person. The Indonesian people have very little, they are a very poor people. But I never have a seen people that have so very little, give so very much! Most sleep on the floor, no pillow, no blanket, no mattress, nothing! When you visit their home they will feed you, you will often eat with your companion, then the children will eat and then IF there is enough the parents will eat. The majority work very long hours to provide for their family. The suburbs, homes, cities are very basic, you can not drink the water. The majority of homes have bottled water, those who can’t afford that will go to the well to fetch water and then boil it to kill any germs. It is just very, very humbling circumstances. It goes to show that you don’t need money or nice things to be happy. The Indonesian people are very happy people, I have never seen people smile so much in such hard circumstances. Very rarely will you hear them complain, they simply just list the many blessings they have in their life. The Indonesian people are amazing! (Jayde)

The people for the most part are very humble and respectful. You’ll always find those people who are just happy even though their circumstances aren’t all that great. Indonesian culture is very familial. Total strangers are addressed as mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, brother, or sister. There aren’t so many barriers between strangers. Indonesia itself is a blast, it’s so diverse! there are thousands of local dialects and indigenous tribes. Two missionaries serving in Indonesia at the same time can have two completely different missions due to its diversity (remember Indonesia is the 4th largest country and the mission covers all of it). (Braeden)

I loved the things I learned from the culture. I also loved the people I taught and served with. I’m not sure what it was exactly about them or Indonesia, but I really did just love. I think that’s a missionary thing. 🙂 (Sydney)

Very humble and very beautiful. (Tou)

Any packing/clothing advice?

Do NOT overpack. There is so much that you can buy once you get there. Buy a good proselyting bag when you get there. Don’t worry about toiletries (except deodorant. If I was going back, I would bring a two year supply of American deodorant) There is so much that you will pack that you will never use and you will end up throwing away or donating. Just don’t worry. Pack the basics and that’s enough. (Colton)

Pack Crocs!! I would never ever EVER have considered wearing crocs before my mission. But they are honestly the best thing I ever brought for my mission. I wore crocs every day of my mission, they are easy to slip on and off and when it rains they don’t get soggy or stay wet. They dry quickly and are tough, I took two pairs – they are expensive, they lasted me my whole mission. For the Sisters, don’t worry about hair straighteners or curlers or make-up. You are hot all the time or get rained on daily, you won’t use it! For clothes I would pack light clothes and clothes you don’t have to layer too much as it is hot, you want the least amount of clothing on as possible! (Jayde)

Bring some good quality shirts, pants and shoes. They will be put to the test. I had three pairs of pants rip on me and all of my shirts turned yellow and brown. Learn how to properly bleach your shirts. There are no drying machines so learn how to iron your clothing. Indonesia is a rather modern country, if you need clothing and you aren’t too big and tall you will have no problem finding clothes. The mission packet says croc sandals….if you want get them, but I never wore mine. Normal flip-flops were enough for shower shoes and floods. Side bag, don’t go huge! Just big enough for a set of scriptures and some pamphlets. So many missionaries come from the MTC with huge side bags only to buy newer smaller ones their first week in Indonesia. Don’t do pajama pants unless you want to sweat in your sleep, do shorts. (Braeden)

You can buy most of it there. Don’t bring shoes, buy them there. (Sydney)

Lots and lots of garments. (Tou)

What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?

I can’t even describe all the blessings, it would take days. God has blessed me with a greater understanding of what hope, love, and sacrifice is. I would never ever be who I am without my mission. (Colton)

The blessings I have received from serving a mission are endless, but to list a few: 1. A great job opportunity 2. Acceptance into University 3. Teaching Seminary 4. Missionary experiences with friends 5. Speaking and teaching skills 6. Knowledge of the scriptures 7. Life experience 8. Independence 9. An amazing RM boyfriend 🙂 – seriously! It is so amazing to be able to speak to your boyfriend/girlfriend about your mission and be able to actually relate, understand and ponder together. We both love it and it is a very common subject that we talk about! 10. I have to say the biggest blessing I have received from my mission is my testimony and conversion to the Gospel. One of my favorite missionary themed talks is from Elder Holland and he tells us that the most important convert is YOU! We have to be our own biggest convert, and even though you don’t focus on this on your mission because you are so focused on the needs and concerns of others, you are blessed to increase your knowledge and strengthen your own testimony as you are in the service for others – whether it be physically or spiritually serving them. I have never understood the scriptures better, I have never learned so much so fast and I have never felt closer to the Lord. The spirit becomes your best friend. IT’S THE BEST! And learning how to recognize the spirit and how it talks to me has been one of the best blessings I could receive. (Jayde)

They are innumerable. I’ve learned more about myself in the two brief years serving than I ever did before. It gave me a sense of confidence in not only who I am and what I stand for, but also in Heavenly Father. I’ve never felt closer to Him. I developed a sense of care for others and for their long term and eternal welfare. I can’t pass up an opportunity to help others. The gift of tongues obviously! I had never knew, heard, or saw Indonesian before, and now I’m fluent. Saya yakin, dengan karunia ini, saya akan terus membangun kerajaan Allah di sepanjang hidup saya. (Braeden)

Increased spirituality, jobs, financial help for school, guidance in where and what I am supposed to be doing, preparation for my marriage, a wonderful and supportive support group, and the chance to inspire others to serve. (Sydney)

I now have a stronger relation with my Father in Heaven and my wife. (Tou)

What are some skills you gained?

Time management was a big one. Language skills and the ability to smile even when I felt like punching a wall. Being kind to people who despise me. Money management was also big. (Colton)

Time Management. Getting along with others. Self Discipline. Service. Initiative. Not judging others, but really getting to know the individual and loving them as God does and seeing them as He sees them. Cooking & Cleaning. 🙂 (Jayde)

Time management, not just planning, but also setting priorities and adjustments to accomplish the most important things first. Stress management, rarely anything result-wise will be in your control, but you’ll learn to accept that and focus on yourself and your own efforts and be able to accept what happens. Patience, you’ll have companions, members, neighbors, investigators who just bug you. To you they could be lazy, a complainer, a liar, just nasty, but you learn to see them as Heavenly Father does and you’ll learn to not be annoyed and how to work with them. (Braeden)

How to make tortillas, a good work ethic, a higher tolerance and respect level, how to thoroughly clean something, being able to talk to anyone anywhere, confidence. (Sydney)

Being able to lead and learn as a missionary and child of God. (Tou)

What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?

I wish I had relaxed more and waited for the Lord to work in my mission. I stressed too much and tried too hard. (Colton)

One thing I wish I did before my mission was studied Preach My Gospel more. Unfortunately in my ward there was no Mission Preparation class, the closest class for me was two hours away. I thought I knew the doctrine, and I did to a certain degree. But I didn’t know or understand how to teach it clearly or simply like Preach My Gospel teaches you. It made it harder for me at the start of my mission as I had to learn the doctrine again in English first and THEN learn it in Indonesian. Where if I already knew it in English it would have made it A LOT easier and faster to learn Indonesian. (Jayde)

That nothing at home changes enough for you to worry about or waste time thinking about. The mission is only two years, it may sound long, but it’s really not. One morning you”ll wake up and you’ll be back home and you”ll wonder where it all went. Do not waste time thinking about anything outside of Indonesia. Don’t be scared of the food. Unless you’re allergic to it, it will not kill you, no matter how weird or gross it is. You’ll crave it one day. (Braeden)

That I wasn’t so hard on myself and I understood that things take time. (Sydney)

Work harder and make every day worth it to God. (Tou)

Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to Jakarta?

Love the country, love the people. The sooner you love them, the sooner you can fully serve them. God loves those people, that is why He is sending you there. (Colton)

Don’t second guess or doubt serving. GO! It’s the best decision you will ever make. Then when you’re on your mission, DO NOT waste the Lord’s time. You only have 18/24 months – and it goes SO FAST! Don’t waste a second, you will never get that time back. It is such an amazing experience that we are blessed with, just please I beg you DO NOT WASTE IT! You do not want to come home with regrets. No matter what others say or think, remember it’s between you and the Lord. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, you most likely get along with everyone and you may have a difficult companion but I always used to try to remember… when you go home do you want regrets? No! When the time comes to give an accounting for your life, how do you want to answer the Lord when he asks how you used your time to serve Him in His vineyard? Just always remember your purpose as a missionary. You are still a YSA, but for the next 18/24 months you are a representative of Jesus Christ, you wear His name and your family name over your heart, make both your family and your Savior proud. The mission is the best and hardest time of your life. You don’t have the stresses or worries of the world – bills, work, study, friends. You solely focus on others and the Lord’s work. Give it your all! Make the Lord’s will YOUR will and you will never go astray! 🙂 (Jayde)

STUDY THE LANGUAGE!!!!!!!!!! The Lord has given you a set amount of time for it, do not waste it. Anything you can do in Indonesian, do it! Even if it’s one word you use it. If your talking to other foreign missionaries, use Indonesian. Forget English, commit to the mission language, don’t give up, it will come. Don’t compare yourself to others. Always lock your bike. Indonesia is the whitest field in the world! The members are thirsting for a temple, and they’re close to getting one, so jump in and help. Yes, it may be 90% Muslim, but don’t let that scare you. They’re very friendly, respectful, loving and open! Most of the time even more so than the Christians there. (Braeden)

Keep your head up soldier. Maju terus, gereja ini benar! (Sydney)

Be strong and stay strong because it’s a really hard mission, but God know each one of us and He will reward us for the good things we to to help His children. (Tou)

What was a funny language mistake?

I can’t remember a specific one, but trust me, they’ll come. Laugh it off and keep moving forward. (Colton)

In Indonesian there are a lot of words that are very similar and almost sound the EXACT same but have a totally DIFFERENT meaning, so we had to be very careful. One of my companions joked with a member saying that she wanted a tall, handsome and rich husband… what she actually said was a tall, scissors and wood husband. 😛 One of my most embarrassing moments was when asking a member to pick up one of our investigators and bring them to church. The two words I got mixed up: jemput – pick up jembut – pubic hair … yeah you can figure that one out 😛 It was embarrassing! (Jayde)

“Air Besar” means feces, but literally is Air=water and besar=big. I made my new companion order McDonalds delivery (an amazing perk to Indonesia) to practice his language. I told him to order me a large water, which is “air putih yang besar” and he says into the phone “air besar” ordering a cup of feces instead of water. He quickly realized what he said and immediately corrected himself and never switched it again. There are literally so many I could write in this section for hours! I wish I would have made a notebook specifically of language stories because they’re so great! (Braeden)

Saying something that wasn’t actually a word when I was trying to explain the first vision ;). My companion and the member who accompanied us got a kick out of that. (Sydney)